Dear CARE Volunteers, Businesses,

Organizations, Churches and

Community Members:

We can certainly agree; we are all living in un-

predictable times with the challenges facing all of

us due to the pandemic of COVID-19. The CDC

has provided guidance that we all must adhere to

and respect, to reduce the spread of this virus .

Here at CARE, we have made the best choice for

our community by cancelling all outside activities

and health educational events. In-home services

have been suspended, and we are only providing

rides to critical clients that are on dialysis or

require treatment for cancer. These practices

will be reevaluated again on April 14th.

The Governor has requested that high risk seniors

remain in their homes as much as possible at this

time. We would like to ask you to consider shop-

ping for a senior or making friendly phone calls to

help reduce isolation during this difficult time. We

have put safety measures in place to reduce the

risk to our senior population when shopping for

groceries. We are focused on getting supplies to

those in need. If you are aware of anyone in need

of food for themselves or their pets, or personal

care items, please have them contact our office at

320-968-7848.

The CARE Board of Directors and staff are com-

mitted to serve our community by accepting our

roles in being on the front line to provide service

delivery, and we are asking for your assistance to

get this accomplished. Our community must stay

strong, united, and ever grateful in the weeks to

come. God bless all of you!

Letter from the Director by Connie Cardinal

FROM MEDICARE.GOV:

PROTECT YOURSELF

FROM FRAUD

Scammers may use COVID-19 as an

opportunity to steal your identity and commit

Medicare fraud. In some cases, they might tell

you they'll send you a Coronavirus test, masks,

or other items in exchange for your Medicare

number or personal information. Be wary of

unsolicited requests for your Medicare number

or other personal information.

It's important to always guard your Medicare

card like a credit card, and check your Medicare

claims summary forms for errors.

Only give your Medicare number to participating

Medicare pharmacists, primary and specialty

care doctors or people you trust to work with

Medicare on your behalf.

Remember, Medicare will never call you to

ask for or check your Medicare number.

Did you know that Medicare covers tele-health

visits, so beneficiaries can consult with their

doctors without leaving home?

Check with your healthcare provider or your

insurance company to find out how to schedule

a virtual visit.

Stay well, stay safe; and read on for more help

and information in this issue.

Editor’s Notes by Gini Kalton

1

March 2020 Volume 17, Issue 1

BECOME A VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER!

As a member of the CARE Board of Directors, you will be

instrumental in choosing the direction and scope of our

program.

You will be working with other members, and partnering

with our Executive Director, to assure the continued

success of our mission: “We support area neighbors 60

years and older to continue living independently in the

home of their choice through community volunteerism.”

For more information please contact the

CARE office: 320-968-7848

CARE Community Action Respecting Elders

OFFICE HOURS:

MON - THURS

8:00 am - 3:00 pm

LOCATION:

321 6th Avenue

Foley, MN

MAILING ADDRESS:

PO Box 65

Foley, MN 56329

Email: info@communityactionrespectingelders.org

Web site: CommunityActionRespectingElders.org

Board of Directors

Joyce Rife, Chairman

Brian Lorenz, Vice-Chair

Joyce Simones, R.N., Secretary

Karen Kampa, Treasurer

Dennis Clark

Richard Cash, M.D.

Evelyn Kirby

Gini Kalton

Rosalie Musachio

Philip Miller

Ron Miller

Rev. John Lassen

Executive Director

Connie Cardinal

Newsletter Editor

Gini Kalton

FUN & FITNESS FOR SENIORS

2 March 2020

Due to the need for social distancing

during the COVID19 pandemic,

we are suspending this program

until the Governor and the Departments

of Health and Human Services

tell us it is safe to resume.

To maintain balance, flexibility and good circulation,

it is recommended that seniors get up and walk around

their homes throughout the day.

Gentle stretches, and gentle lifting of arms and legs while

sitting, will also benefit circulation. Sit comfortably and lift

your leg straight out in front of you, point your toe and

trace the letters of the alphabet; repeat on both sides.

CARE volunteers are ready and willing to help! If you or

someone you know feels isolated and would like someone

to call for a chat, or need food, or help with shopping for

food, supplies, or medications, please call our office:

320-968-7848

WHY DO I VOLUNTEER?

Nutrition Assistance Program

for Seniors (NAPS)

THIS PROGRAM WILL CONTINUE, WITH

SOME CHANGES IN THE WAY THE FOOD

IS DISTRIBUTED, IN ORDER TO KEEP

BOTH VOLUNTEERS AND SENIORS SAFE

DURING THE COVID19 PANDEMIC:

1. The CARE front office door will be locked.

2. Clients will enter the building through the

service delivery door on the south side,

facing the parking lot.

3. Clients must stay six feet away from staff

and other people who are here to pick up

their box of food.

4. Pick up your cheese at the front table, give

the CARE volunteer your name, and they

will sign you in.

5. There will be no handling of cards or chips

by clients or volunteers.

6. Clients will then drive to the garage door

and open the car door, or your trunk; wher-

ever you wish the box of food to be placed,

and then remain in your vehicle while the

volunteer places your box of food in the

compartment you have chosen.

To register a senior for this program, you can

call the CARE office at 320-968-7848.

Register today, and mark your calendar for

the second Monday of every month, from 11

am to 1 pm, throughout the year!

www.CommunityActionRespectingElders.org 3

Please join CARE as we welcome Matt Riley to

our team of volunteers.

Matt has lived in the Foley area since 2001,

when he and his wife moved to a small acreage

north of Ronneby.

Matt and his wife, Sarah, have been active volun-

teers over the years, with Anna Marie’s Alliance,

the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, and

Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Having recently move to Glendorado Township,

Matt is motivated by family, community, and a

respect for elders. One of his most important

relationships growing up was with his grand-

father, Lester – a member of the Greatest Gener-

ation.

Volunteering for CARE is a way of helping older

members of the community stay independent,

and is, in part, Matt’s way of showing his kids the

value of giving back.

4 March 2020

NOTICE

ALL CARE ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS,

AND FUNDRAISING EVENTS,

HAVE BEEN POSTPONED,

AND WILL BE RE-EVALUATED

ON APRIL 14TH

COVID19 PANDEMIC - HOW YOU CAN HELP

CARE IS COMMITTED TO SERVING SENIORS IN A SAFE MANNER TO ASSURE

THEIR NEEDS ARE MET DURING THE COVID19 PANDEMIC.

SENIORS ARE URGED TO STAY AT HOME!

VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

TO PURCHASE AND DELIVER: GROCERIES, MEDICATIONS, AND PERSONAL

CARE ITEMS.

TO PROVIDE RIDES FOR URGENT CARE (SUCH AS CANCER TREATMENTS

AND DIALYSIS)

TO DELIVER FRESH PRODUCE AND DAY-OLD BAKERY DONATIONS

(ORGANIZED BY YOUR CHURCH - CALL THEM TO VOLUNTEER)

TO MAKE FRIENDLY PHONE CALLS TO CHECK ON SENIORS AND

REDUSE ISOLATION

SIGN UP BY PHONE: 320-968-7848, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

CommunityActionRespectingElders.org

www.CommunityActionRespectingElders.org 5

ich

Your donation of goods, services, or a complete “basket” of goodies,

are now being accepted Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Please bring your donations to the CARE office, at 321 6th Avenue

in Foley, or call us at 320-968-7848 to arrange for pick up.

Your generosity guarantees our success! Thank you.

It’s Build-a-Basket time!

Back By Popular Demand! Spring Luncheon for Senior (50 and over) Single Women & Widows

Friday, April 24th from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Location: New Life Christian Center in Foley

Hosted by: Cornerstone Church (Kingston, MN) and CARE

Registrants are welcome to bring a female guest for lunch, fellowship, music, and a devotion.

RSVP required to attend. To register, receive a ride, or for further questions,

please call CARE by Friday, April 17th at 320-968-7848

CARE joined area businesses and organizations from cities such as Foley, Milaca, Becker, and

St. Cloud for over three hours of fun, food, and entertainment provided by the Foley Area Chamber

of Commerce on February first.

Visitors were able to meet and gain valuable information from representatives of participating

organizations and business.

2020 Foley Chamber of Commerce Business Expo

6 March 2020

Pictured from left: Board Member Ev Kirby, and Board Chairperson Joyce Rife

Classes are made possible by a CARE partnership with the Department of Human Services, and

with the assistance of Foley Community Education.

Paige is honored to share her passion of art with seniors in our community, “Everybody stay safe,

and when we can, when things get back on track, we’ll be creating up a storm!”

ART CLASSES with Paige LaDue Henry

,

.

t

Are you a Thrivant Financial Member?

Ask us how you can designate funds to be

donated to CARE by Thrivant Financial.

Call the CARE office at 320-968-7848

www.CommunityActionRespectingElders.org 7

THE MINNEAPOLIS GUITAR QUARTET CAME TO TOWN

On Friday, January 20th, music lovers of all ages gathered at the ROC Center in Foley to listen to

the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, a legacy event concert sponsored by Great River Regional Library,

and hosted by the ROC Center and CARE; homemade cookies and coffee were served.

The quartet took the audience on a tour of six countries, with music selections that included ancient

Macedonian folk, Spanish romantic, and Prince’s “Purple Rain”. Composers also included J.S.

Bach, Joaquin Rodrigo, Alberto Ginastera, and Maria Kalaniemi. And the children in the audience

danced to the encore, provided just for them.

The musicians made time for questions and answers; most about the many and varied guitars they

played, and each players history in music. The audience was surprised to hear that each musician

had a their guitars custom-built by a respected craftsman; and jaws dropped at the value of those

instruments.

We would like to thank all those who braved the cold to enjoy beautiful music and community

fellowship, with a special thanks to Reverend John Lassen for opening the cozy ROC Center

for the event.

From left: Maja Radovanlija, Ben Kunkel,

Wade Oden, and Joseph Hagedorn

8 March 2020

YARD WORK VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Spring has sprung! Time to clean up the yard, and prepare garden and flower beds!

To help support seniors who love living in their homes, CARE is seeking volunteers to assist

with spring yard cleanup. We invite organizations and individuals to contact us and sign up to

help our seniors. Call us today at 320-968-7848!

And if you or someone you know is a senior, 60 years or over, and would appreciate

assistance with your spring yardwork, call us to get your name on the list so we can locate

and schedule volunteers to help you.

Support seniors by volunteering to serve in the CARE Corndog Castle! This year’s fundraiser

is scheduled for Monday, June 22nd through Wednesday, June 24th.

Our booth will be located in front of the Torell Law Office on Dewey Street in downtown Foley,

and will be open from 11:00a.m. to 10:30 p.m. each day. If you would like to join in the fun,

please call CARE at 320-968-7848 to schedule the days and times that best fit your schedule.

VOLUNTEER WITH CARE AT FOLEY FUN DAYS!

www.CommunityActionRespectingElders.org 9

A CARE-ING WORD SEARCH

ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 15

Unfortunately, every disaster or crisis brings out criminals looking to exploit the

situation for their personal gain. COVID-19 is no exception. There are already

malicious websites and other scams out there seeking to use the situation to

infect people's electronics and steal their money.

In one recent example, a website was set up that purported to be an application that tracked world-

wide cases of COVID-19. Entering the website exposed users to a computer virus that then stole

personal information from the victim's computer. There are certainly more such sites and apps

lurking yet undiscovered out there. Your best protection is to only seek information from reputable

sources like the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control, MN Department of Health,

or Benton County Public Health.

People also need to beware of phishing attacks and scams that prey on the fears surrounding

COVID-19 by promising new tests, treatments, or ways to avoid infection. Many public health

officials worldwide are working on tests, treatments, and the best strategies to keep people healthy.

Real treatments and strategies will be distributed quickly by public health organizations and

established media organizations.

To stay safe, people should automatically be skeptical of any claims made by people and

organizations not associated with official public health agencies. People should be especially wary

of those looking to sell you tests, treatments, or cures. As a whole, we've become pretty skilled at

seeing through phishing attempts and scams. There is no reason to panic and also no reason to let

fear lead you into becoming a victim.

FREE Senior Fraud and Scam Class for Ages 50 and Older

Come join Chief Katie McMillin and Sheriff Troy Heck, and learn about

popular scams, how to prevent becoming a victim, and how to report it if

you receive a scam.

April 16, 2020

9:00 - 11:00 am

at Foley City Hall

Refreshments will be provided.

Register online or call:

Foley Community Education: 320-968-8619

CARE-Community Action Respecting Elders: 320-968-7848

COMMUNITY SAFETY AND COVID19 by Troy Heck, Benton County Sheriff

10 March 2020

For Your Health contributed by Joyce Simones, RN

r

www.CommunityActionRespecting Elders.org 11

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidelines from the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019

Older Adults and people who have underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung

disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications.

There are currently no vaccines to prevent COVID.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person who are in close contact (within 6

feet) through respiratory droplets from an infected person or by touching objects like doorknobs

that the infected person has touched.

Take steps to protect yourself

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after being in a

public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water not available – use a 60% alcohol hand sanitizer. Cover all surfaces of your

hands and rub them together until they dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes.

Stay home if you are sick except to get medical care.

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs,

light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Use

EPA- household disinfectants or solution of 4 tsps. chlorine bleach per quart of water.

Watch for symptoms. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness

and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Fever

Cough

Shortness of Breath

Emergency Warning signs (list is not inclusive. Consult medical provider for other severe/

concerning symptoms.)

Difficulty breathing

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

New confusion or inability to arouse

Bluish lips or face

Call your doctor for medical advice if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and

develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing. In all cases, follow the

guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department.

Contributors - Donations received 12/12/2019 - 3/12/2020

Cash Donations

1st Presbyterian Church

Alice Gombos

Arlene and Neil DeZeller

Bill Kotsmith

Bradley & Betsy Byker

Bruce VonWald

Carol Michaletz

Carol Pollard

Chester & Pat Potuzak

City of Foley

Clarence & Judy Kiffmeyer

Claudette & Joe Czech

Darrel Jants

Dr. Steven O’Brien

Dr. Stephanie Driessen

Diana Gorecki

Dori Bezenek

Florence Gotvald

Foley Family Dental

Foley Physical Rehab

Frannie Harper

Frandsen Bank & Trust

Gary Robak

Gary & Carol Spoden

Gerald & Marilyn Hovde

Gerry & Maria Goble

Glendorado-Evangelical

Country Church

Gloria Midas

Gustavus Adolphus Church

Harold & Yvonne Linz

Harriet Dahlstrom

Hydrostat Inc.

James & Geralyn Moshier

James Smiglewski

Janelle Dahmen

Joyce Rife

Kathleen Kampa

Kathy & Ron Kipka

Kim Rhonemus

Living at Home Program

Lora & Bruce Knafla

Louise Gunderson

Madeline Fouquette

Marcia Johnson

Mary Carlson

Maxine Olson

Minneapolis Foundation

Northwoods Dirt Works

Pat O'neill

Patrice Schaaf

Phyllis Frank

Randy & Toni Hammond

Rebecca & Thomas Howard

Rita Novak

Robert & Mary Kovell, CPA

Roseann Zablocki

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Sally Grabuski

St. Cloud Dairy Queen

St. Peter and Paul Christian

Women

Terry & Duane Sakry

Tom & Paige Henry

Violet Moeller-David

Xcel Energy Foundation

12 March 2020

Bequests

Bill Bronder in memory of Jane Gardner

Connie Henry in memory of Tom Olson

Grace & Wesley Glein in memory of William Wunderlich

Joyce Rife in memory of Dr. Cliff Stiles

Joyce & Gregory Simones in memory of Rita Simones

Kathy & Ron Botzek in memory of Barbara Aman

Mabel & Vernon Magnuson in memory of Rita Carter

Ron & Kathy Botzek in memory of Barbara Aman

William Imbiorski in memory of Ann Czech

William Imbiorski in memory of Barb Aman

William Imbiorski in memory of Jack Thorsten

William Imbiorski in memory of Mary Ann Quade

William Imbiorski in memory of Patsy Imbiorski

Dale & Bonnie Lembke in memory of Rita Simones

In-Kind (non-cash) Donations

1st National Bank of Milaca

Anton’s Restaurant

Arby’s Restaurant

BJ Evergreen

Barb Semrau

Benton County Abstract

Carol & Jerry Brunn

City of Foley

Clo Brenny

Connie Cardinal

Culver’s of Waite Park

DJ Bitzen

Dairy Queen of St Cloud

Dale’s Auto Detailing

Deb & Tim Helmin

GB & Company Salon

House of Pizza

Kwik Trip

Linda Goodman

Linda Tobroxen

Lou DeMarais

Pacific Wok Restaurant

Paramount Theatre

Perkins Restaurant

Powder Ridge

.CommunityActionRespectingElders.org 13

Our sincere gratitude to all! We apologize if we missed your name. Please contact us so we

can acknowledge you in our next newsletter. Thank you!

Rent Sponsors

January

Clo Brenny

February

Henry & Sally Grabuski

March

Gerald Marilyn Hovde

Thank You!

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

For grant funding that helps CARE support area seniors

to remain living independently in the home of their choice.

CARE IS COMMITTED TO SERVING SENIORS IN A SAFE MANNER TO ASSURE

THEIR NEEDS ARE MET DURING THE COVID19 PANDEMIC.

PLEASE CONSIDER A GENEROUS CASH DONATION AT THIS TIME:

SENIORS ARE URGED TO STAY AT HOME, AND CARE VOLUNTEERS ARE

READY TO PURCHASE AND DELIVER: GROCERIES, MEDICATIONS, AND

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS.

CARE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE RIDES FOR URGENT CARE (SUCH AS

CANCER TREATMENTS AND DIALYSIS).

FRESH PRODUCE FROM LOCAL DONORS IS BEING CLEANED AND PRE-

PARED AND, ALONG WITH DAY-OLD BAKERY ITEMS, WILL BE DELIVERED

TO CARE AND CHURCHES FOR DISTRIBUTION BY THEIR VOLUNTEERS.

PLEASE CALL CARE OR YOUR LOCAL CHURCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

ON HOW YOU CAN HELP.

Have you considered

a gift

in Memory of a

Loved One?

Giving to a favorite

charity can be a

wonderful way to

honor their memory.

2020 CENSUS

In Loving Memory

Lucille M. Smekofske

Nelson Lance

Dixie Shore

Pauline Meyers

Margaret Christman

Darlene Lewandowski

William Wunderlich

LaVerne “Jack” Thorsten

Edward V. Kampa

Richard Schlicht

Rita Carter

Thomas Olson

Marjorie Lewandowski

Joseph Graczyk

Bernice Molitor

Agnes Blaszak

Jerome B. Gapinski

Lynn G. Kardell

Chester Dzuik

Eugene David

James Duscha

Mark Schumer

Jane Gardner

Frank Knapek

James Walcheski

Dominic Walcheski

Donald Carlson

EXPECT A NEW LOOK

Information on the 2020 census was mailed to you between March

12 and 20, 2020. The census looks different than in the past, as this

is the first census with an option to respond electronically.

In Greater Minnesota:

Some people will receive a paper census form in the first mailing.

Some zips codes in Greater Minnesota will not initially receive a

paper census form. Instead, the mailing (most likely a post card)

will include instructions for responding to the census online or via

phone. If you get this post card version, and do not easily have

access to respond via internet, you can follow the instructions to

respond by calling a phone number where you will be connected

with a person to record your information.

If you would prefer a paper questionnaire, you can call the phone

number on your post card, or wait until April 8th when paper

forms will be mailed to people who have not responded yet.

Each citizen’s form will contain an identification number unique to

you. You will need this number to respond to the census.

Important funding to our community is dependent

upon everyone responding to the census.

Because of the change in how the census is being done, CARE-

Community Action Respecting Elders does not want to take any

chance on missing anyone. It is especially important for our

program that a complete count of people ages 60 and over is made,

as that affects funding for services to help seniors remain living at

home. Missing just one person in the census will result in loss of over

$27,000 of federal funding to Minnesota over the next 10 years, until

the next census.

If you, or someone you know,

needs help filling out their census

form, please call our office for

assistance.

We have volunteers ready, and

trained to assist you!

320-968-7848

14 March 2020

This newsletter is also made possible

by a generous donation from

ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE!

Your $25 ad will help support the cost

to publish C.A.R.E. Connections

Call 320-968-7848

Thank You!

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO OUR ADVERTISERS FOR THEIR CONTINUING SUPPORT!

www.CommunityActionRespectingElders.org 15

Answer Key for Word Search on page 8

CARE - Community Action Respecting Elders 321 6th Avenue PO Box 65 Foley MN, 56329 320.968.7848 www.foleyareacare.org

Non-Profit Prsrt

PAID Permit No. 11

Foley, MN

16

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Energy and cost saver! To request our newsletter by email call 320-968-7848

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

ART CLASSES (Please call in advance for reservations )

Wednesdays: April 15th, May 20th, June 17th

1:00 - 2:30 PM

Dewey Place Community Room

455 Dewey Street, Foley

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

BREAKFAST

Sunday, April 26, 2020

8:30 AM - 12:00 NOON

St. Lawrence Fellowship Hall

10915 Duelm Rd NE, Duelm

PORK CHOP DINNER

AND SILENT AUCTION

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

4:00 - 7:30 PM

Henry’s Event Center

6774 MN-25, Foley

FOLEY FUN DAYS

CORN DOG CASTLE

June 22-24, 2020

11:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Torell Law Office

Dewey Street, Foley

SPRING LUNCHEON (Please call by April 17th for reservations)

Friday, April 24,2020

12:30 - 2:30 PM

New Life Christian Center

931 Norman Avenue, Foley

DETAILS ON PAGE 8